No Mystery Here: Your Guide to the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

As of 2018, accidental injury became the #3 cause of death in the United States, as named by the National Safety Council.

However, despite the frequency in which accidental injuries occur, victims can often feel alone, confused, and vulnerable during the personal injury claims process. If you’ve suffered an accidental injury, the more knowledge you have, the better protected you’ll be in the aftermath of the accident.

Keep reading for an overview of the personal injury lawsuit process so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

Visit a Doctor for Treatment

Immediately after suffering an injury in an accident, you should go to the hospital. Talk to a doctor about what happened and get a thorough examination. Depending on the nature of the accident, you might not notice injuries right away, so it’s better to get checked out right away, just in case.

This can also help your injury lawsuit case, as it demonstrates the severity of the accident to the judge and jury once your suit goes to trial.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

After you’ve been treated for your injuries, you need to meet with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. You’ll want to look for a practice that specializes in your type of injury.

For example, if you’re suffering from back pain after a car crash, look for a lawyer that has experience in a car accident back injury settlement. The best way to choose a lawyer for your case is to research the firm online, read reviews from past clients, and meet with an attorney in person to talk more about the specifics of your case.

Go Through the Investigation Process

Once you’ve hired a lawyer to handle your accident lawsuit, the attorney will investigate your case. In doing so, your lawyer will interview you for more details about the accident and your injuries.

If your injuries are from a car accident, your lawyer will also talk with the insurance companies involved and potentially talk with witnesses and police on the scene to get statements from neutral parties.

Attempt to Settle

After investigating the case, your lawyer may attempt to reach a settlement instead of taking the case to court. If your case seems like a good option for settlement, your lawyer will negotiate with the opposing attorney to reach an agreement.

Then, you’ll receive a settlement offer to review before deciding if you want to accept the offer or move to trial.

File the Lawsuit and Go to Trial

If a settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will officially file the lawsuit. A judge will set up a timeline for each phase of the trial, which could end up lasting months or even years.

Once the trial begins, the details of your case will be presented to a judge and jury by each party working on the case. After hearing all sides of the case, the jury will reach an agreement on the outcome of your suit.

The Personal Injury Lawsuit Process Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Going through the personal injury lawsuit process is never convenient, but with the right team on your side, you will get through it. Read through our website for a variety of personal injury resources to help you navigate this stressful time in your life.

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